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5 things to consider while reading the Gospel according to Matthew

5 things to consider while reading the Gospel According to Matthew

1. It was written in Greek around A.D. 85-90 for a community that came from Palestine and settled around Syria.
2. The author used materials from an early version of Mark and a source called Q, in addition to his own materials.
3. It is the most Semitic of Gospels, written for a Christian community of Jewish background who continued to reverence the Jewish law. Matthew constantly touches on Jewish customs and shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. “Do not think I have come to destroy the law and the prophets; I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17) Because of this Jewish influence the author also makes numerous references to the final retribution and warns the people about the rewards or punishments they could face.
4. This Gospel emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, with Jesus deserving honor as King and Son of God from day 1. He sees his Christian community as a manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, albeit an imperfect one. Jesus is shown as the Davidic Messiah and Law-giver second to Moses.
5. He presents Jesus as a teacher and true interpreter of the will of God. Christians benefit from Jesus’ teachings and His help in living them. The author organizes his teachings into 5 sections, just like there are 5 books in the Jewish Law: the Sermon on the Mount, the Missionary Discourse, Parables, the Community, and the Last Discourse.

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Gospel Reflection for Sunday October 5, 2008

A reflection of the Scripture readings for Sunday, October 5, 2005. The symbolism in the readings and Psalm for this Sunday is very apparent. In the first reading Israel is compared to a vineyard and God is the owner. Despite doing everything right for the vineyard, putting it in fertile land, spading it, removing stones, building a watch tower, etc., the vineyard did not produce good fruits. God abandoned the vineyard and allowed it to be overrun by invaders.

In the Gospel reading Jesus is also comparing the people of Israel to a vineyard. They had not learned anything yet and had killed servants (prophets) sent previously by the owner. Jesus even says that their final outrage will be to kill the owner's son outside the vineyard's walls. This vineyard will be taken way and given to new tenants who will finally produce good fruit.

I used to have a large vegetable garden and I learned that the best way to grow healthy plants was not to focus on the plants themselves, but on their environment. They needed to have rich soil, with the right alkaline levels and moisture. Fertilizer was to feed the soil, allowing micro-organisms to thrive and feed the plants. Instead of spraying the plants with insecticide I planted other plants near them that repelled bugs.

Likewise, the best way for us to produce great fruit for the Lord is to surround ourselves with people and situations that will help us focus on God's love and help us live good Christian lives. To have a good theological foundation for our lives and to seek good role models and teachers. To avoid situations that could tempt us into hurting God and others. God has given us everything we need to produce great spiritual fruits. We must now act, moved by love, and produce it.

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Reflecting on the apparition at Knock, Ireland

This past week I had the opportunity to visit Ireland on business. My wife and I took the opportunity after the conference to journey to the northwest part of Ireland and visit the small village of Knock. More specifically, we visited the Catholic Knock Shrine, who had been previously visited by Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

On the evening of the 21st August, 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in a blaze of heavenly light at the south gable of the Church of St. John the Baptist. Behind them and a little to the left of St. John was a plain altar. On the altar was an empty cross and a Lamb on an altar. Everyone in the scene was still, except for adoring angels that unceasingly circled the altar completely focused on the Lamb. The Apparition was seen by fifteen people whose ages ranged from six years to seventy-five and included men, women, teenagers and children. The Apparition lasted for two hours. It was raining hard and the witnesses, drenched, got on their knees and prayed the rosary. The ground where the apparition was stayed dry. The entire Apparition was silent. No verbal messages were given.

They described the Lamb as amazingly radiant, projecting a white light that was reflected by the other figures, with Mary reflecting the most light. The Lamb was peacefully and attentively looking at the other figures, listening. Joseph had his hands together in prayer, his head bowed in respect, and he was looking at the Lamb. Mary was looking up to heaven, her hands open in prayer of worship, thanksgiving, and intercession. Everyone and everything was of white color, but Mary wore a brilliant golden crown. Over the forehead she wore a beautiful full-bloom golden rose. Next to Mary was St. John the Evangelist. He was the disciple that at the cross Jesus confided him to his mother and his mother to him. They both lived in Ephesus after that. St John is the author of the Gospel according to John and the Book of Revelation. St John is dressed as a bishop wearing a mitre. On his left hand he is holding an open Bible and it looks as if he is preaching.

What does this silent Apparition mean?

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, September 7, 2008

A reflection on the Scripture readings for Sunday, September 7, 2008. In this Gospel reading Jesus is explaining how the community should deal with someone that is sinning against a member or the community as a whole. First, we approach the person in private. If that works we have "won over your brother." Some versions say you have "gained your brother," which is a technical rabbinic term for missionary conversion. If this stage doesn't work, we bring one or two witnesses so that we can more easily get to the facts. If unsuccessful we escalated it "to the church", which could mean the community or a group representing the community. If the person still refuses to accept and correct the sin, then Jesus recommends a drastic measure: "then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector." This means to exclude the person from the community, probably to protect the community from the impact of this person's actions and future actions.

What I found most challenging in today's readings is that it's not enough to empathize with a sinner, or to "forgive those who trespass against us." Jesus challenges us to be proactive and take the person aside to confront them with their sin and see what we or the members of the community can do for the person. Why? The answer is in the second reading, love, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Moved by love, we would go out of our way to help the sinner, but also to protect future victims of whatever the sin may be. Impact? We find this in the first reading, "If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die, ”and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death." We are partly responsible for not speaking out.

Tough challenge, compelling reason, and a significant impact of ignoring our responsibility. Well, I have a few people to call today, for which I have been praying, but not confronting 1:1.

God bless!

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Prayer for the Sick

This is one of my favorite prayers for healing.  I write it today for a dear friend and former classmate.

O my God,

behold your sick child before you.

Heed her special request,

that which she feels is most important for her.

May you, my Lord, entrust to her heart these words: "The health of the soul, too, is vital."

Lord, may your will be done in her;

if you choose her healing, may she be cured;

if you choose another blessing,

may she bear her cross with love.

I also pray to you

for all who intercede for her.

Purify our hearts

that we may worthily convey

your holy mercy.

Protect your child, relieve her pain,

that your will may be done in her,

and that your presence and love

may be revealed through her.

Grant her the grace

to bear her cross with courage.  Amen.

~ Medjugorje Day by Day

Gospel Reflection for August 31, 2008

A reflection on the Scripture Readings for August 31, 2008.  We live in such a paradox.   Many of us spend so much time worrying about our future and acting in self-preserving ways.  Working to make more money (and it's never enough), buying bigger houses, seeking experiences that would give us pleasure, comfort, and instant joy.  We are acting from such a powerful instinct.  Yet, facts tell us that those most secured financially, those that have acquired the most fame or pleasures, are not necessaily any happier than the rest.  Actually, they are at times misserable.

Studies by researchers (without a faith-based inclination) have found that after considering many variables, the happiest people are those that are moved to serve others inspired by a purpose greater than themselves.  Their research proved what Jesus told us many years ago: 

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Intellectually, I get it.  But it's so difficult as we struggle with the selfless acts that bring us true happiness and the near term acts that gives us "safety" and short-term happiness.

I think the answer is in the phrase "to lose his life."  I can read this as to no longer have my life, but I can also read this as to no longer try to control my life.  To give God full reign over me and guide me.  To surrender. In the first reading the prophet Jeremiah was strugling to control his life and not speak God's words because of the rejection and burden they were causing him.  At the end, he couldn't.  "But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it."

I think this is the key.  To find life, we need to lose ours and all our selfish ambitions.  That is too difficult, unless we surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our heart so it burns with love for God and others.  We won't be able to hold that love in.  Like Jeremy, we won't be able to endure not speaking God's words, and not taking our cross.

God bless everyone!   

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, August 17, 2008

A reflection on the Scripture readings for Sunday, August 17, 2008 (my sister's birthday!). I struggled a bit with today's Gospel reading. A Canaanite woman goes to Jesus and begs that He heal her daughter. Most of the times I visualize Jesus as the perfect divine being He was, the Son of God. A being in a constant state of peace and wisdom, incapable of showing anything but the most amazing acceptance and compassion to all people. Thankfully, he was also Jesus the man. The man who wept when he learned a close friend died. The man who expressed anger with the vendors at the temple. The man who showed doubt and apprehension at the garden of Gethsemane.

Here we have a woman and a foreigner wanting something from Jesus. Jesus brushes her off twice with what seem like prejudicial statements "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” He reflected the strong feelings Israel had at the time of any foreigner, often comparing them to dogs. Was he testing her faith? Perhaps from a salvation plan there was a sense of priority and order. Perhaps it was more important to begin the conversion from within, to first extend the House of Prayer from within the walls of the temple and throughout all the people in Israel and then the world. "To the Jews first and then to the Greeks" Rom 1:16. I don't have an answer. I suppose the important thing is that He did show compassion, He did recognize her persistency and her faith, and healed her daughter.

For my personal growth I wonder, how many times I may express or think prejudicial statements towards other people that are different than me in some way? I also pray that moved by faith I would be as persistent as she was in seeking closeness with God and fighting for what is fair and just.

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, August 10, 2008

What a lovely first reading for this Sunday.

"Reading 1
1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a

At the mountain of God, Horeb,
Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.
Then the LORD said to him,
“Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;
the LORD will be passing by.”
A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains
and crushing rocks before the LORD—
but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake—
but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire—
but the LORD was not in the fire.
After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
When he heard this,
Elijah hid his face in his cloak
and went and stood at the entrance of the cave."

How do we recognize the presence of God in our lives? How many times are we surprised that a smile from a stranger, a hug at the sign of peace during mass, and witnessing a small act of kindness stir in our hearts the loving presence of God? The God who created strong winds, earthquakes, and fire, is also the God who created butterfly wings, the smell of a rose, and the warm feeling of a caress. God's presence is manifested in so many ways, few as powerful as the power of a word and the power of The Word.

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Just for this Moment

Just for this Moment

Just for this moment, we are one...
Just for this moment,
my heart is your heart,
my mind is your mind,
my soul is your soul.

Just for this moment, we are one...
Just for this moment,
my worries have vanished
my body is well,
my heart is at peace.

Just for this moment, we are one...
And I open my eyes,
and smile.

Technorati Tags: Hope

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, April 1, 2007

A reflection on the Scripture readings for Sunday, April 1, 2007, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. This Sunday's readings, as well as those for the rest of Holy week are packed with meaning and rich with wisdom. As I meditated on the readings for this Sunday, my heart concentrated on a "side story," that of Peter denying Jesus three times.

“This man too was with him.” But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.”

What do you think about when you read this? Poor Peter, lacking courage. That won't happen to me... What would we do if we were in that situation? Would we have the faith and courage to admit we know Jesus? Well, we don't have too work so hard at imagining. How do we react when we face injustices at work, in our community, and in the world? How do we react when others are attacked and injured emotionally? How do we react in the face of poverty, war, sickness, and loneliness? Do we act as if we know Jesus? Or do we act as if saying woman, I don't know what you are talking about." I find this humbling, because I do deny I know Jesus many times a month, not so much by what I do, but by what I fail to do.

It is a long journey. I'm glad God is merciful and that he continues to strengthen us as we journey in our path. Some day most people will be able to say, "He must know Jesus, he must be one of them." We will be recognized by our words and our actions.

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Gospel Reflection for Sunday, March 4, 2007

Scripture reflection on the readings for Sunday, March 4, 2007, second Sunday of Lent. In Luke we read about Jesus going up the mountain with Peter, John, and James. While he was praying, Jesus was transfigured. His faced changed and his clothes became dazzling white. Seeing Jesus in his glory made an impact on them. This is a preview or a tiny taste of what it will be like in heaven. Then, all of us would be transfigured and united. I imagine that the radiant light emanating from all of us out of immense love will all come together as one intensely radiant light. The light of love, the love of God.

Can you imagine experiencing this bit of heaven on Earth? I think some saints and mystics have received a taste of this in their meditations and prayers. An that is exactly the means..., prayer. Last Wednesday we had the penance service in our church and went to confession. What is the answer to sinning less? Living in a life of constant prayer. Living in loving and intense prayer will not only help us sin less, but also radiate the light of Christ to others, and experience the light of Christ in our hearts.

Does it feel overwhelming to live a life or prayer and holiness? We only need to do it for this day..., just for this moment.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Ps. 27, 1

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Cast Your Burdens on the Lord

Cast your burden on the Lord,

Only lean upon his Word;

You will soon have cause to bless

His eternal faithfulness.


He sustains you by his hand,

He enables you to stand;

Those who Jesus once has loved

From his grace are never moved.

Hymn by Anon

Technorati Tags: Catholic Spiritiality

If

If
By RUDYARD KIPLING

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master;
If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run --
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!

Technorati Tags: Accomplish goals and realize dreams

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I have been looking forward to it so much. I have been very busy lately. We need these different Church seasons to help us reconnect, recommit, and re-engage in our journey of faith. My family and I went to 5:30PM mass. It was a beautiful mass. When it came time to receive our ashes I stood in line like everyone else, feeling peaceful. Then the person put the ashes on my forehead saying "remember that you came from ashes, and to ashes you will return." I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion. This act seemed to have happened in slow motion. The finger on my forehead felt heavy. I felt such love in my heart. I sat down, while tears streamed down from my eyes.

Where did this come from? What does it mean? Is there a deep symbolism for it? What does it say about me and my life? Nothing. It is simply love. I took a step in our journey of Lent. Jesus held my hand and also took a step with me. And so we begin, in Divine love.

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Gospel Reflection for Sunday January 21, 2007

Scriptural reflection on the scripture readings for Sunday, January 21, 2007. These readings are so interesting today. We have two men reading from a scroll, thousand of years apart. One man, Ezra, reads as the people celebrate a new beginning. After many years in exile, a group of devout Jews are set free and able to return to their land for the difficult task of rebuilding their city and their community. Another man, Jesus, also reads from a scroll. A new life and a new beginning emerging. One where captives will be set free, and the blind will see, a life where the oppressed will go free and the poor will receive good tidings. Many of these actions were ones associated with God. So here you have Jesus the man, in his hometown, proclaiming, in so many words, that he is also the Son of God. Through him, all these divine actions will take place. And once again, the people will be set free, from a spiritual exile.

Thousands of years later, we too read these words. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, in Him and through Him, we are also children of God. Through us, the divine hand of God could also work, to heal, to bring good tidings to the poor, and to free the oppress. May we open our hearts and our soul to God working through us. We will continue to fulfill the scriptures and will be creating many years acceptable to the Lord.

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